Abstract
BackgroundHuman Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has undergone successful trials and has recently been approved for use for the primary prevention of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination.MethodsSemi-structured interview and questionnaire delivered in a street survey. Standardised HPV-related statements used to measure HPV knowledge and attitudes to vaccination. The setting was three different areas of Birmingham, to target a mix of social class and ethnicity. The sample population was composed of 16–54 year olds.ResultsA total of 420 participants were recruited. Poor knowledge of HPV and its links with cervical cancer were observed. 81% had a knowledge score of zero. Knowledge about HPV was associated with different ethnic group and socio-economic group. The majority (88%) of participants were in favour of vaccination, with 83.6% indicating that they would allow a child under their care to be vaccinated.ConclusionInitial responses to the proposed HPV vaccination within the UK public are favourable. However, knowledge levels are poor and media and health professional promotion are required to raise awareness.
Highlights
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has undergone successful trials and has recently been approved for use for the primary prevention of cervical cancer
Knowledge Score Three hundred and forty (81%, 95% CI = 76.9% to 84.6%) of the study participants had a knowledge score of 0
There is a need for the health care service and other agencies to play a more active role in publicising, educating and informing patients on HPV and potential value of HPV vaccination
Summary
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has undergone successful trials and has recently been approved for use for the primary prevention of cervical cancer. Since the 1970's it has been known that one of the causes of cervical cancer is through infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) [1] subtypes of HPV causing malignant transformation of the cervical epithelium [1,2]. This breakthrough led to the possibility that some cervical cancers could be preventable by vaccination [1,2]. On 26th October 2007, the Department of Health (England) announced the Government immunisation programme would commence in 2009 with HPV vaccination of girls aged 12–13 years [13,14]
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